Your Guide to Murray River Fishing: Best Spots & Species
The mighty Murray River fishing experience is one of Australia’s most rewarding outdoor adventures. Stretching across three states, the Murray offers anglers stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife, and the chance to hook iconic native species like the Murray cod. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner, this guide will help you plan the perfect fishing trip along this historic river.
Top 3 Fishing Spots Along the Murray River
Planning a Murray River fishing trip? The Murray is vast and diverse, but a few spots stand out for their beauty, fish populations and atmosphere. Whether you’re chasing trophy Murray cod or just enjoying a quiet day on the water, these locations are well worth visiting.
Albury (Heywards Bridge)
Heywards Bridge near Albury is perfect for anglers seeking a relaxing environment with good fishing prospects. The river here flows gently, with shady banks and plenty of natural structure that attracts Murray cod and yellowbelly. Casting near submerged logs or along the river bends is often productive. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times, when fish tend to be more active. Light to medium tackle works well here, giving you both the sensitivity and strength needed to land quality fish. Albury also has plenty of amenities nearby, making it a convenient choice for both day trips and weekend getaways.
Swan Hill (Pental Island and Stoney Crossing)
For those targeting big Murray cod, Swan Hill is one of the top destinations along the river. Pental Island and Stoney Crossing are especially popular because of the abundance of underwater structure that provides ideal cover for large fish. Heavy tackle is recommended here due to the size and power of the cod you can hook. If you are planning a full day out, remember that these areas are a bit more remote. It’s a good idea to pack a portable power station so you can keep your devices charged and extend your time on the water comfortably.
Mildura
If golden perch and redfin are your targets, Mildura is a must-visit. The fishing here is excellent during the cooler months from April to August, when fish are actively feeding. The area is known for its variety of shore and boat fishing opportunities, with many accessible spots for anglers of all experience levels. Light spinning gear with soft plastics or small hard-body lures is particularly effective. The scenery is beautiful too, making Mildura a great option if you want to combine fishing with a laid-back outdoor experience.
No matter where you go, Murray River fishing promises adventure, challenge and the chance to catch some truly impressive fish. Take the time to explore these top spots and enjoy everything this iconic river has to offer.
Target Species in the Murray River
Planning your Murray River fishing trip means knowing what species to target and when. Here’s what you need to know:
Murray Cod: Murray cod are the river’s most iconic catch and a top target for many anglers. These powerful fish prefer areas with structure such as submerged logs and rocky ledges. The murray river cod season allows catch and release from January to July, while fishing for cod is closed from August to December. Early mornings and late afternoons tend to be the most productive times. To maximize your chances, use strong tackle and fish close to cover. If you’re boat fishing, consider powering your setup with an EcoFlow 12V 100Ah Lithium Trolling Motor Battery to stay mobile and fish efficiently all day—its 1,280Wh capacity and 1,280W continuous output, combined with a 300A peak discharge for 30 seconds, deliver smooth, reliable power to your trolling motor and electronics, while its 6,000+ cycle lifespan ensures it outlasts traditional leadacid batteries.
EcoFlow 12V 100Ah Lithium Trolling Motor Battery
Golden Perch (Yellowbelly): Active mostly during spring and early summer, golden perch gather near structure like fallen trees. Use medium-weight gear with lures or live bait for the best results.
Redfin Perch: Redfin are aggressive feeders, especially in warmer months. Light tackle paired with small lures or soft plastics works very well.
Trout: More active during cooler months, trout prefer clear, fast-flowing sections. Spinners, small hard-body lures or worms are all good choices.
European Carp: Common throughout the river, carp can be caught year-round. Corn, bread or worms are simple and effective bait choices.
Each species offers a different challenge, making Murray River fishing both varied and exciting.
Preparation Tips for a Murray River Fishing Experience
Good preparation makes all the difference for a successful Murray River fishing trip. Before you head out, here’s what you need to have in place.
Gear checklist: Your rod and reel setup should match your target species. Murray cod require a strong baitcasting rod with heavy line to handle their size and strength. Golden perch can be caught with a medium spin rod, while light spinning gear works best for redfin and trout, giving you better sensitivity and control. Bring a range of proven lures and baits such as stump jumpers, spinnerbaits and live yabbies so you can adapt to different conditions and fish behavior.
Safety tips: The Murray River environment is beautiful but can be challenging. Always pack essentials like sunscreen, a hat, rain gear and a first aid kit. Stay alert for snakes along riverbanks, especially in warmer months. Don’t forget that a valid fishing license is required to fish here.
Power and boating equipment: If you’re fishing in remote locations or spending a full day on the water, a reliable power source is essential. An EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro Portable Power Station ensures you can keep your phone, GPS and small devices charged so you can stay out longer with confidence.
If you’re fishing from a boat, a dependable marine battery is key to powering your trolling motor, allowing you to move quietly and efficiently from spot to spot.
With the right preparation, you can fish safely, comfortably and with everything you need at hand for a rewarding day on the Murray.
Conclusion
The Murray River is truly a fishing paradise, offering stunning scenery, diverse species and memorable experiences. Whether you are after the iconic Murray cod or other native fish, planning your trip carefully is key. Make sure you fish during the right season, bring the proper gear and follow local fishing regulations. With the right preparation, Murray River fishing promises a rewarding adventure every time you cast a line.
FAQs
Is the Murray River good for fishing?
Absolutely. The Murray River is one of Australia’s best freshwater fishing destinations. Whether you prefer fishing from the shore or a boat, there are plenty of spots that offer a relaxing setting and a good chance of success. You can target species such as Murray cod, golden perch, redfin and trout throughout the year. Murray River fishing is popular not just because of the variety of fish but also because of the beautiful scenery and accessible locations along its length. If you prepare properly and fish at the right times, you can enjoy an experience that appeals to beginners and experts alike.
What is the best bait for the Murray River?
The best bait depends on the species you want to catch, but some baits consistently perform well on the Murray. For Murray River cod fishing, live yabbies, scrub worms and bardi grubs are excellent natural choices. Cheese is surprisingly effective for cod too. When targeting golden perch, worms and yabbies work well, while corn and bread are reliable for carp. Soft plastics and lures such as stump jumpers and spinnerbaits are also widely used, especially during Murray River cod season. The key is to match your bait to the species and the conditions to improve your catch rate and make your trip worthwhile.
What kind of fish are in the Murray River?
The Murray River supports a wide range of native and introduced species. The most famous is the Murray cod, which attracts anglers from all over Australia. Murray River cod fishing is a highlight, especially when done responsibly during Murray River cod season. Golden perch, also known as yellowbelly, are another prime target and often found near structure like fallen logs. Redfin perch are common, providing plenty of action, while trout can be caught in the cooler, faster-flowing sections. European carp are widespread and easy to catch, though they are considered a pest species. This diversity makes Murray River fishing both exciting and rewarding.